Annual Report 2014-2015
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Annual Report 2014-2015 Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary Annual Report 2014-2015 Vision Calgary is a just and equitable society for all. Mission The Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary is a community-based organization that facilitates the collective -cultural communities towards full civic participation and integration through collaborative action. Values The Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary embraces and promotes the following values: Respect for diversity Equity and social justice Active citizenship and democratic participation Collaboration Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary Annual Report 2014-2015 ii Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................ 2 ............................................................................................................................. 4 Highlights ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Program Report .......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Funders ............................................................................................................................................................................ 18 Toolkits & Resources to Effectively Engage Ethno-Cultural Communities ................................................................................................................... 19 ECCC Member Organizations ................................................................................................................. 21 Partners ............................................................................................................................................................................ 22 Summary of Statement of Operations ........................................................................................... 24 Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary Annual Report 2014-2015 Board Chair’s Report The Board of Directors of the Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary has been transitioning from an operational board to a governance board and this year solidified this transition. As I speak about the work and accomplishments of the board it is important to recognize that there are 5 board committees that support the board of directors and these committees include dedicated volunteers that are not members of the board of directors. These committees include: research and policy, human resources, finance, governance, and membership. Having developed a 5- policies and the plan. Key areas of focus included: communications, fund development, succession planning, policy and research, and strengthening the membership base and collective voice of ethno-cultural communities. Recognizing the importance of communication, both in becoming a high impact organization and increasing awareness and support for key community issues, we conducted a communications audit and developed a communications plan. We have begun to work towards the development of a new website and have also increased our efforts to engage through the use of social media. We are using social media not only as a tool to highlight the work of ECCC, but also to highlight important community issues, research, and tools that can benefit member organizations. Being a high impact organization also requires that we are financially stable and have sufficient diversity in our funding to allow for the long term success of the organization. As a result, we completed a fund development plan, which seeks, not only to raise additional flexible funding for ECCC, but also to increase the profile of ECCC and the work it does. We invite you to participate through hosting your own third-party fundraiser, partnering with us to host an event or activity, and also to make your own contribution. In addition to working towards financial sustainability, the human resources committee put in place policies and planning documents for succession planning. This ensures that whether planned or unexpected, the organization will be prepared to respond any changes in leadership with minimal impact to staff and community. In working towards a just and equitable society for all, research continues to be an invaluable tool. Although the staff conducts research, there is a board committee that acts as an advisory group. A key focus of the research and policy committee for this year has been the impacts of changes to immigration policies on ethno-cultural communities. As well, a current focus for the research and policy committee is government relations, which is particularly important given the significant change in the political landscape here in Alberta. As ECCC continues to grow, we are reminded that the strength of ECCC lies in the communities we serve. Therefore the membership committee has worked to develop a new membership form, a new members orientation manual, a plan for community engagement and outreach to new members, and the introduction of a new youth membership. Our hope is that by increasing membership we can increase the engagement and collective work of individuals in the city working against discrimination. Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary Annual Report 2014-2015 2 As this year ends the new one that is beginning brings a change in our board. I would like to thank Dagoberto Correa for his invaluable contribution to ECCC. As a founding member Dago has been a solid and thoughtful leader. He is truly dedicated to the mission and vision of ECCC and is a strong advocate for social justice and equity for everyone. I would also like to thank Lloyd Wong for his leadership. He has played a key role in shaping the research work of ECCC, which has become a valuable tool for public education and systems and policy change. His quiet presence and thoughtful critical questions will be missed. I would also like to thank the continuing board members and incoming board members for their dedication and commitment. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank the members and volunteers of ECCC. It is the members and volunteers that connect us to community and also inform our work to ensure that it is aligned with community needs. Our funders have contributed to our work not only through funding, but through capacity building, mentorship and trust that a small organization of dedicated people could make a difference. Thank you very much for your continued support. Finally, I would like to thank the very hard working staff of ECCC. I have never seen a team of people so deeply committed to the mission and vision of an organization. They work long hours dealing with issues that can be challenging and disheartening, yet I have never walked through the doors of ECCC and not been greeted with a Director, Marichu Antonio leads by example, working tirelessly with creativity, optimism and a willingness to advocate and ask the important hard questions. Susan Ramsundarsingh ECCC Board Chair (acting) Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary Annual Report 2014-2015 3 Executive Director’s Report Gearing Up Ethno-cultural Communities Alongside ECCC Increasing capacity of ethno-cultural communities to mobilize resources and engage communities to inform and influence systems and policy The past year saw many ethno-cultural organizations grow their ability to play important roles in influencing change. Several organizations improved their capacity to access funding and other resources that enable them to run programs that effectively serve members of their community based on their understanding of the unique situations of the people they serve. It will be exciting to see results from their new approaches a year from now. There are also organizations that broadened their ability to engage not only their immediate members but also those beyond their specific communities impacted by common issues. Several organizations and leaders initiated forums and dialogues with decision makers around policies and their impact on their communities. The resulting increase in ethnocultural participation and vigilance led to several tangible wins for our communities. parties were strongly reminded to continue to protect vulnerable communities from hate speech through the preservation of Section 3b of the Alberta Human Rights Act. Alberta Health Services Calgary Zone agreed to educate and inform the community on the new Framework and Implementation Plan of the Health Interpretation Services in order to increase more people and groups being informed and aware of the changes to immigration policies and its impact on ethno-cultural communities. Organizational maturity and financial growth These evidences of the growing capacity of ethno-cultural organizations to effect social change inspire ECCC and its 49 member organizations. They also are impetus for ECCC to continuously adapt to trends affecting our political, economic and social landscape to better support our member organizations and their communities. These trends include increase in unemployment, continuing changes to immigration and refugee policies, budget cuts, the provincial elections and the resulting change in government to name a few. These trends have created challenges that ECCC must face as an organization including uncertainties in the funding environment and increased stresses to our communities. They have spurred ECCC to exert leadership and to further strengthen